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New Ways to Decorate with a Brown Sofa

Brown sofas are a go-to staple in the furniture industry. Every retailer has one, and chances are, most customers have owned one, or probably own one now. They are usually comfortable, hide dirt and pet fur rather well, and are easy to find in almost any style. But no matter their practical attributes, many people today tend to shy from a traditional brown sofa, afraid that the color is boring or drab!

Contrary to that belief, there are always ways to make a brown sofa a part of a lively living room set up. Here’s a couple tips for anyone ready to take their brown sofa to a new level:

1. Surround yourself in the hue.

An easy way to work with brown is to take it to the max by using the sofa’s color around the room, including on the walls and other furniture pieces. Select a contrasting color to offset all the brown, and play with whites and neutrals to keep the room from becoming too monotone.

Brown paint, wallpaper, and wall textures can tie the room together with a brown sofa set, like our Louis shown here. Don’t forget to accent with our Liz chair!

2. Go the other way with lighter colors.

Another way to work with a brown sofa is to surround it with lighter colors. This will provide balance to a darker piece, and will brighten the room.

Alex is a great collection for modern, simple comfort in a soft brown hue. A light gray wall and sculptural accessories work well with bold pops of color. Simple ottomans in white provide a modular solution to a standard coffee table.

3. Decorate with a warm palette.

Brown is already a warm color, which makes it great to partner with burgundies, reds, oranges, and yellows. Take inspiration from autumn colors, and play with florals and brightly colored accent pieces.

Floral curtains, a stone fireplace, and warm toned paint brighten a brown sofa and remind us of home. Play with furniture shapes, and don’t be afraid to mix and match furniture styles. Our Flora chair brings some bright green to the scene, while the Andrew is a good basic brown sofa to work with.

4. Dazzle with a cool palette.

Purples, greens, and blues shouldn’t be snubbed in the face of brown’s warm tone. Contrast these cooler tones with a strong brown couch, or even aim for a lighter brown. Make sure your pillows, rugs, curtains, and other pieces include pops of matching brown to bring it all together.

A completely cool palette, like this one awash in blues, is a natural complement for a brown sofa, like our Steven. Our Janette chair adds a soft, natural touch, and extra seating.

5. Play with neutrals.

It’s easy to rely on neutrals to match up with a brown sofa, but they don’t have to be boring. Jazz up neutrals with textures and interesting patterns. Don’t be afraid to give a mish mash of styles to create interest! Faux fur, geometrical patterns, animal prints and skins, and matte mixed with patent finishes create a perfect mix.

This loft setting asks for simple furniture that doesn’t take too much space. Mason and Amber complement each other well. Use fun, industrial themed accents and natural textures in various neutrals, and finish with a simple storage ottoman..

6. Integrate popular decor trends.

There are plenty of popular decor styles that work well with brown sofas, loveseats, and sectionals. Rustic and industrial styles are not only trending, but easy to update and make into a cozy home atmosphere. Combine with exposed metal and woodgrain, natural elements, and exposed brick or stone walls for full effect.